Michigan’s College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama at the Rose Bowl on Monday could not have gotten off to much worse of a start.
The Wolverines got the ball first and J.J. McCarthy appeared to be intercepted on Michigan’s first play from scrimmage.
CALEB DOWNS PICKS OFF JJ MCCARTHY ON THE FIRST PLAY OF THE GAME!! #ROLLTIDE pic.twitter.com/7AYe68On5y
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) January 1, 2024
However, replays revealed that Caleb Downs’ foot was out of bounds before he began his jump, which negated the interception.
First play from scrimmage
Michigan’s JJ McCarthy makes a very bad decision
This was ruled as incomplete because the Bama safety Caleb Downs was out of bounds
What a start pic.twitter.com/YZ7FrZxrwV
— New York Sports Midia (@NYSMidia) January 1, 2024
Michigan maintained possession but still punted after going three-and-out. They were able to get a few sacks on Jalen Milroe on Alabama’s first possession, but then the Wolverines muffed the ensuing punt.
Alabama picked up the fumble and then later scored on a rushing touchdown to go up 7-0.
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